"After he came back from that calf he's just built into a bit of form and his match fitness has probably improved over the course of the last month or so.

"Now he's pressing for selection just purely on form."

Schache kicked three goals in the VFL at the weekend for the third game in a row to build his case for an AFL return.

But even if he does break through for a club debut in the coming weeks, the Dogs are taking a long-term view with the 199cm forward.

"He's had some challenges up north and he hasn't really missed a beat with us, but with young key forwards, as we've seen over a period of time, it has taken them some years to get going," Beveridge said.

"Josh is no different.

"He's expressing that he's enjoying his footy and that's always important to hear ... that your players are striking a balance between the pressures of the game and enjoying it when they come to work.